Mamadou Thug, whose real name is Mohamed Lamine Diallo, is a Guinean versatile artist known for his talent as a humorist, comedian, actor, director, screenwriter, producer and political activist. Born on September 25, 1987 in Conakry, Guinea, he began his artistic career at a young age, distinguishing himself for his television and theatre performances as well as his contribution to the Guinea film industry.
A member of the National Transitional Council of Guinea since January 2022, he has also invested in the representation of cultural interests within the political apparatus of his country. With a rich filmography, memorable theatre plays, national and international performances and recognition through various awards and distinctions, Mamadou Thug embodies one of the most emblematic figures of entertainment in Guinea, carrying with him the heritage and vitality of the Guinean culture on the domestic and international scenes.
Introduction
Mohamed Lamine Diallo (born September 25, 1987) is a Guinean comedian, actor, director, screenwriter and producer. With his breathtaking humor and talent as an outstanding performer, he has conquered the hearts of the Guinean and African audiences. Member of the National Transitional Council since January 2022, Mamadou Thug has become a true ambassador of Guinean culture through his multiple artistic hats.
Education
From a polygamous family where he is the Benjamin, Mamadou Thug followed a classical school course. After completing his primary education at Simbaya 2 Africof, he continued his studies at Koloma Soloprimo College and later at Lambayi High School. He then obtained his bachelor's degree in experimental sciences at Yacine Diallo High School in Cosa.
In addition to his studies, Mamadou Thug attended theatre training at the Centre Culturel Franco-Guinéen (CCFG) from 2000 to 2006, where he was able to refine his talents as a comedian. After obtaining his bachelor's degree, he enrolled at the Faculty of Medicine at Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry between 2006 and 2011, but did not complete his academic cycle.
Acting career
It was in 1998 that Mamadou Thug made his first steps on stage alongside his brothers. Their talent quickly earned them the trust of the Lewrou Djbé group, which allowed them to perform for the first time on the national television RTG. Despite the opposition of his family, Mamadou Thug persisted and in 2002 became the main host of the comedy show "Rions un peu" on RTG.
In 2004, with his band Les Messagers du Temps of which he is a founding member, Mamadou Thug participated in the National Festival Rencontre Théâtrale of Guinea. Their sketch "Sirandou" in French earned them the Gold Medal at the 4th edition of this festival.
It was in 2006, in the film "Mamadou en ville", that Mamadou Thug adopted his now famous stage name. Since then, he has also become the director of the Festival des Arts de Labé.
Filmography
- Mo Saaba (1998)
- La Scolarisation (1999)
- Sirandou (2004)
- Mamadou Yalti Gollé (2002)
- Rien un peu (2002-2005)
- Mamadou en Ville (2006)
- Gundo
- Samba et Sadjo
- Galo et Donkin avec Djikké Diama
- Ah Prince
Drama show
- N'Daki Nara Mohamed 5 Camara
- Sikasso - Djibril Tamsir Niane
- Ma culture - Mohamed Lamine Diallo
- Le villageois - Mohamed Lamine Diallo
- L'homme et la femme le plus intelligent (Conte) - Djibril Tamsir Niane
- Mosaïque - Maimouna Diakhaby
- Hyménée - Maimouna Diakhaby
- L'Isle de Saint-Louis du Sénégal - Ahmed Tidiane Cissé
- L'Os de Mor Lam - Birago Diop
- Démou - Ibrahima Sory Tounkara
- Cours Commune - Bilia Bah
- Un pays par accident - Mohamed Lamine Diallo
- Sanakou - Mohamed Lamine Diallo
- L'interview - Mohamed Lamine Diallo
- Mon Problème - Mohamed Lamine Diallo
Music
In 2008, Boye Djouhé of the Welilan troupe covered the music composed by Mamadou Thug for the film "Mamadou Yalti Gollé".
Presentantion shows
Radio
- 2009-2010 : "Je suis en vacances" on Sabarie FM
- 2010-2012 : "Thug Show" on Espace FM
Television
- 2003-2006 : "Rions un peu" on the RTG
Performances
National
- 2012 : 14 ans de comédie at Belvédère
- 2005 : "Ma culture" at Centre Wakili Taouyah
- 2012 : Foire Artisanale de Guinée in Labé
- 2015 : Inauguration of President Alpha Condé
- 2015 : "Wousss Ebola" in Labé
- 2016 : FAR de Labé 1st edition "Taxi Moto" with Adama Dahico
- 2017 : FAR de Labé 2nd edition "Lecture est mon affaire" with Zongo et Tao
- 2017 et 2018 : Dabola Arts Festival
- 2018 : Match du Rire 1st edition
- 2018 : FAR de Labé 3rd edition "MerdeTerranée" with Gohou Michel
- 2018 : Dalaba Craft Fair
- 2019 : FAR de Labé 4th edition with Souké and Siriki
- 2019 : Indépendance Show
- 2019 : Festi Foire of Mamou
International
- 2006 : Festival Africa Cœur in Dakar (Sénégal)
- 2008 : Fête de la Guinée in Sérékounda (Gambie)
- 2012 : Bejaia International Theater Festival (Algeria) with the National Theater of Guinea
- 2015 : Festival Lecture sur Plateau in Lyon (France)
- 2017 : Second edition of the Parliament of Laughter in Ivory Coast
- 2018 : PANAF in Germany
- 2018 : Miss Guinée in Paris (France)
- 2018 : Talent de Guinée in Paris (France)
Other activites
From April 2019 to October 17, 2021, Mamadou Thug was the president of the Association of Artistic Troops of Guinea, before being replaced by Cherif Diallo of NOGECIG.
He is also the head of the company Soudou Daardja Prod, a production label.
Awards and recognitions
Mamadou Thug has been rewarded on multiple occasions for his talent and his contribution to Guinean culture:
- 2023 : Ranked among the 100 personalities who move Guinea
- 2023 : Godfather of culture at the Mahin Brussels festival
- 2019 : AMA Prize (African Music Award) in Belgium
- 2018 : Best comedian at Talent de Guinée in Paris
- 2018 : Best man of culture in Guinea by Katala 224
- 2016 : Comedian Award from Guinea
- 2014 : Best comedian of the Gnakrylive award
- 2014 : Best professional actor of the Dimoh TV award in Germany
- 2013 : Best performance at the Ratoma Commune Arts Festival
- 2012 : Best Text by Ahmed Tidiane Cissé at the Béjaïa International Theater Festival (Algeria)
- 2012 : Best stage performance with the role of Loïe sans culotte at the Béjaïa Festival
- 2012 : Best actor of Foutah
- 2011 : Best stage performance “Laughter in Reconciliation”
- 2008 : Nominated for the Djembé d’Or and ranked 2nd best actor
- 2004 : Gold Medal at the 4th Guinea Theater Meeting in French with Les Messagers du Temps
- 2003 : Best performance at the Night of Comedians at the Palais du Peuple
National Transition Council
Following the coup d'état of September 5, 2021, the CNRD established the National Transitional Council of Guinea at the end of 2021. Mamadou Thug became a member on January 22, 2022, representing cultural organizations.
In July 2022, when adopting the multiannual budgetary orientation 2023-2025, Adviser Mamadou Lamine Diallo (Mamadou Thug) voted against, denouncing the lack of subsidies allocated to the cultural actors he represents at the CNT.
Private life
Though he is widely known for his work, Mamadou Thug remains quite discreet about his private life. It is known that he came from a polygamous Conakry family where he is the Benjamin.
Conclusion
A true touch-to-all of the arts of the stage, Mamadou Thug has established itself as one of the indispensable ambassadors of the Guinean culture. His rich career and numerous roles as a humorist, comedian, actor, director and producer make him a respected figure, both in Guinea and internationally.
With his biteful humor and unparalleled acting, Mamadou Thug has conquered the hearts of African audiences and even beyond borders. His commitment to the National Transitional Council also demonstrates his determination to promote the arts and culture of his country.
There is no doubt that Mamadou Thug, nicknamed "The Ambassador of the Guinean Laughter", will continue to shine Guinea's artistic talent for the years to come. Its journey and achievements already make it a true national cultural icon.
